Which action can reduce the risk of ESD damage when computer equipment is being worked on?
- working on a grounded antistatic mat
- keeping the computer plugged into a surge protector
- lowering the humidity level in the work area
- moving cordless phones away from the work area
The correct answer is: working on a grounded antistatic mat.
Using a grounded antistatic mat is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) damage when working on computer equipment. ESD can cause significant damage to sensitive electronic components, and grounding yourself and the equipment you’re working on is crucial to preventing this.
1. Working on a Grounded Antistatic Mat (Correct Answer)
An antistatic mat, also known as an ESD mat, is designed to dissipate static electricity and prevent ESD from damaging sensitive electronic components such as CPUs, RAM, and motherboards. The mat is connected to a grounded surface, which allows any static charge that builds up on the technician or the equipment to safely discharge without affecting the components.
Why This Works:
- Grounding: By using a grounded antistatic mat, static electricity is safely transferred to the ground, reducing the risk of accidental discharge.
- Contact with Components: When you place components like the motherboard or RAM on the mat, it ensures that any charge is neutralized before it can affect the hardware.
Best Practice:
- Use an antistatic wrist strap along with the mat to provide maximum protection. The wrist strap connects to the mat and ensures that the technician is grounded while working on the components.
2. Keeping the Computer Plugged into a Surge Protector (Incorrect)
While keeping the computer plugged into a surge protector can protect it from power surges, it does not prevent ESD. Surge protectors are designed to protect against spikes in electrical power, not the static electricity that can build up in the body or environment. In fact, when working on a computer, it is generally recommended to unplug it from the wall outlet to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
Why This Isn’t the Solution:
- Surge protectors protect against electrical surges from the power supply, but they do nothing to prevent or mitigate ESD that occurs from static buildup on the technician or components.
3. Lowering the Humidity Level in the Work Area (Incorrect)
Lowering the humidity level in the work area actually increases the risk of ESD damage. In dry environments, static electricity can build up more easily. Higher humidity levels reduce the buildup of static electricity by allowing moisture in the air to dissipate static charges.
Why This Is Incorrect:
- Low humidity increases the likelihood of static discharge. Ideally, a humidity level of around 40-60% is recommended to minimize the risk of ESD.
4. Moving Cordless Phones Away from the Work Area (Incorrect)
Moving cordless phones away from the work area does not affect the risk of ESD. Cordless phones operate at specific radio frequencies and have no direct interaction with static electricity or the buildup of static charge on components.
Why This Is Incorrect:
- While it’s always a good idea to minimize unnecessary electronic devices near sensitive equipment, cordless phones do not generate static electricity that could cause ESD.
Conclusion
The best way to reduce the risk of ESD damage when working on computer equipment is to use a grounded antistatic mat. This helps dissipate any static electricity safely, protecting sensitive components from damage. Other actions, such as keeping the computer plugged into a surge protector or lowering the humidity, do not directly address the issue of static discharge. By grounding yourself and the equipment properly, you can significantly reduce the risk of ESD.